Loss of body hair 6 years on T

[ab94111]

Hello, everyone.  I would first like to mention that I do have plans to make an appointment with my GP soon in regards to this issue.  However, I did want to post this here because I am curious to if anyone else has experienced this/heard of someone that has.  I have been on testosterone for 6 years (I haven't gotten a hysto yet) and I am extremely hairy and was very hairy prior to testosterone.  I noticed about a year ago that I had developed small symmetrical bald patches near my knees.  I didn't think much of it so I just ignored it.  About 3 or 4 months ago I noticed symmetrical bald patches on my calves.  Then symmetrical spots just above my knees.  Then on my quads. Now my butt/hip area is almost completely bald and it looks like I might be developing a bald spot in my facial hair where I previously could grow a beard.  My hair on the top of my head is not thinning or balding at all which seems strange.  Any thoughts?   The spots aren't 100% bald.  There are a few red bumps and broken short hairs, however my butt area is smoother than it was pre-t

[Kreuzfidel]

Obviously without examining you or knowing your history, it's hard to say what's causing this - but I'll just give you my thoughts.

One clue that you mentioned was that "the spots aren't 100% bald - there are a few red bumps and broken short hairs".  I think that there are a couple of things going on.  I would say that it's possible that your leg hair loss may due to losing hairs to to a combination of the normal aging process and the wear on the hairs from clothing brushing against them. 

You may be simply looking too hard at the facial hair to see a pattern to the hair loss when it may all be unrelated (or not, again your doctor will be better able to judge).  Hair can thin and thicken in coverage over the span of your lifetime.  It won't always be consistent and this is normal. 

The other option could be that you may (unlikely) have a variety of alopecia. 

Have you had your T levels checked lately?  Are you experiencing any other symptoms related to hormones such as spotting or cramping?  I honestly doubt that the hair loss is hormone-related, but it shouldn't be eliminated as a suspect until further investigations have been done.

[spacerace]

Friction can rub down hair in areas such as knees that constantly are up against the sides of your pants. I had really clear patches of no hair where my socks hit on my calves (at least I think that is what it is from - definitely friction of some kind, maybe from where pants hit as well, or the side I sleep on..whatever). When I started T and the hair filled out, the spots went away briefly, but now the funny looking friction holes are definitely coming back.

It is good you are going to your doctor, but you may just notice it now because there is a lot of hair to be rubbed off when before there was not.

[sam1234]

If you had gotten a OVH, I would think low testosterone first. Since you haven't, the fact that the loss is bilateral brings to mind an ovarian cyst. My physician dropped my testosterone last time I went in, and I've lost some body hair, but its more generalized. I'm glad you are seeing your Dr. about it.

Sam1234

[Ayden]

I have several bald patches on my legs (small ones) from where my clothes rub against my legs.

It is certainly worth a doctors visit if you are concerned about your hormone levels. I know some men in my family had overall hair loss due to a hormone imbalance.

[D0LL]

Its important to co sider health issues as being a possible cause, not necessarily the T itself. WhenIhad hypothyroidism, I only experienced hair loss frommyhead for about 2 weeks.The rest of the time, I experienced body hair loss. Since I experienced more uncommon symptoms it made it harder to recognize the cause. Eventually I realized I was going weeks between shaving my legs (Im normally very hairy). When it did grow finally, it grew in patches. I also finally realized the hair onmy head hadnt grown in months.

Maybe it is the T for some reason causing this problem, but its a good idea to keep your mind open when you go talkto your doctor. Good luck, dude, hope things turn out well!

[Taius]

As D0LL has stated, it might be something other than your T treatment. I'd say bring it up to your doctor next time you see them, and ask them if it could be anything to do with your thyroid.

It might also just be your normal hair pattern, honestly. I know my grandpa had really thick arm hair until he was really old, and then he started to bald out around his wrists and shoulders.
Aside from that, you mention small red bumps? Is it possible you're having ingrown hairs after shaving in these areas? I'm not sure how often you shave/wax, or if you do.

Definitely ask about it, just in case, but don't be alarmed if it turns out to just be your own body's hair pattern.